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James D. Thornburgh
Birmingham, Alabama
ME, 1957

The engineering classroom in the 1950s at times resembled a military environment. I recall that in classes taught by Capt. B.P. Ward, US Navy, retired, (Heat Engines, Thermodynamics, etc.) students were expected to answer roll call with a firm "Yes, SIR" with a pause after "yes" and a rising inflection placed on the "sir." In, fact, "Sir" was expected in student responses. In addition to theoretical and analytical solutions, we learned that at sea, a steam engine was operating efficiently if a "a light brown haze" was seen exiting the stack. Student reaction, certainly mine, to Capt. Ward was very positive.